The ski area
The Zillertal Arena runs along the Gerlos pass road and links Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Wald-Königsleiten and Krimml-Hochkrimml. The 150 km of slopes break down into 50 km blue, 88 km red and 12 km black, served by 52 lifts. The highest point is the Übergangsjoch at 2,500 m; the base in Zell am Ziller is at 580 m, while Gerlos sits at around 1,300 m.
Most of the skiing is on open, sunny slopes above the tree line, with long reds that suit intermediates perfectly. Stronger skiers head for the Arena’s blacks and the steeper pitches above Königsleiten. The season runs from 4 December 2026 to 11 April 2027, and multi-day passes are the Zillertaler Superskipass, which also covers Hochzillertal-Hochfügen, Mayrhofen, the Hintertux glacier and the Wildkogel-Arena.
Who is the Zillertal Arena for?
The Arena is a solid all-rounder. Families appreciate Gerlos and Königsleiten, with ski schools, children’s areas and accommodation close to the lifts. Intermediates can ski a different corner each day and, with the Superskipass, pop over to Mayrhofen or the glacier. Après-ski is lively in Zell am Ziller and Gerlos, more relaxed than Ischgl but enough for a good evening out.
Practical
From Belgium the drive is about 900 km and 9 hours, mostly on German motorways, with the Austrian vignette needed from Kufstein. Innsbruck airport is about 75 km away. Gerlos is the most snow-sure base; Zell am Ziller is cheaper and livelier but lower. Book early for February, when the Arena fills up with Benelux families.